10 years ago, I was a scared young girl who couldn’t walk & had no idea what my future would look like. Today, I live with an incomplete spinal cord injury & chronic illnesses.
Here are 11 lessons I’ve learned that I hope bring insight into life with SCI & chronic illness:
11. Most people won’t understand
Some will try, & you’ll love them for it. Others won’t even bother. At the end of the day, you must be your own best friend because no one will ever understand your life the way you do.
10. Grief is real
There’s a quiet mourning for the life you once had. I miss running, jumping, walking long distances. Watching others move freely can stir silent heartbreaks.
9. There’s a lack of education
And it can make you feel unseen & out of control.
8. My resilience is my power
Near-death experiences, countless procedures & I’m still here.
7. People will judge
They’ll stare when you use mobility aids or park in accessible spots. Live your truth anyway because judgment will come no matter what.
6. Chronic means forever
People say “I hope you get better,” but this isn’t temporary. It’s lifelong & for a lot of us it will likely get worse as years go on.
Here are 11 lessons I’ve learned that I hope bring insight into life with SCI & chronic illness:
11. Most people won’t understand
Some will try, & you’ll love them for it. Others won’t even bother. At the end of the day, you must be your own best friend because no one will ever understand your life the way you do.
10. Grief is real
There’s a quiet mourning for the life you once had. I miss running, jumping, walking long distances. Watching others move freely can stir silent heartbreaks.
9. There’s a lack of education
And it can make you feel unseen & out of control.
8. My resilience is my power
Near-death experiences, countless procedures & I’m still here.
7. People will judge
They’ll stare when you use mobility aids or park in accessible spots. Live your truth anyway because judgment will come no matter what.
6. Chronic means forever
People say “I hope you get better,” but this isn’t temporary. It’s lifelong & for a lot of us it will likely get worse as years go on.
5. Pain is constant
It shifts forms but never leaves. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Many of us hide it to make others more comfortable.
4. Sometimes the smile is for others
Behind it is sleepless nights, tears, & moments where strength feels out of reach.
3. Family is who you make it
There are people who will & do love you unconditionally - that’s family.
2. Crying helps
Break down if you need to. Feel the feeling, but don’t become it. Witness it. Allow it. Release it. You are the one who must save yourself.
1. Asking for help is heavy
It brings guilt, even when necessary. The fear of being a burden is real.
Living like this isn’t easy. It never has been and never will be. But between the grief, the pain, & the limitations I’ve found resilience, self-love, & a deep understanding of who I am.
It shifts forms but never leaves. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Many of us hide it to make others more comfortable.
4. Sometimes the smile is for others
Behind it is sleepless nights, tears, & moments where strength feels out of reach.
3. Family is who you make it
There are people who will & do love you unconditionally - that’s family.
2. Crying helps
Break down if you need to. Feel the feeling, but don’t become it. Witness it. Allow it. Release it. You are the one who must save yourself.
1. Asking for help is heavy
It brings guilt, even when necessary. The fear of being a burden is real.
Living like this isn’t easy. It never has been and never will be. But between the grief, the pain, & the limitations I’ve found resilience, self-love, & a deep understanding of who I am.